What Stainless Steel did Western Use?

[John A. Larsen]

I bought a Western Scout Camp Knife, model S-901, at the Oregon Knife Collector Show for the princely price of $10. It is I think a second, as the "Western" on the tang has a groove thru it, and the tip of the awl was messed up. Took me less than a minute to fix the point on the awl. Other than that I can find no problems and the blade sharpens up easily and the other tools, can opener and screw driver/bottle opener are just fine. Does anyone know what kind of stainless steel Western would have been using in the 1970's and 1980's when this knife was supposedly made? Thanks. John

 

[shane45-1911]

I believe they are 440A, but going only from (foggy) memory.

 

[John A. Larsen]

shane45-1911, Thanks, that sounds like a good suggestion. John

 

[tltt]

Just writing in agreement, late 70's, early 80's catalogs list it as 440A.

 

[John A. Larsen]

titt. Thanks. John

 

[zzyzzogeton]

To answer the unasked questions - What did Coleman and Camillus use on their Western knives?

Coleman used 440A for everything that actually states a steel type. One can only assume that 440A was used for the knives where a bland "stainless steel" is specified.

Camillus specified that they used 420 and 440 Stainless for their Western knives in their 1996 Catalog. 420 for their W49 and W47 Bowies and the R10 camp hatchet. 440 for the boot knives, huntikng knives and folders.

In 2003, Camillus only stated "high carbon stainless steel" or "flexible high carbon stainless steel" for the filet knives. 2005 and 2006 lists 420HC across all models of Western knives.